If you're an international student in Canada or planning to study here soon, recent announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could affect your plans. On January 22nd, IRCC introduced changes aimed at managing the growth of international student permits and ensuring a sustainable environment for students.

One significant change relates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria. Starting September 2024, students enrolled in study programs under curriculum licensing agreements will no longer be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation. This means that if you're attending a private college with a licensing agreement with a public college, you may not qualify for a PGWP.

IRCC's rationale behind this change is to address concerns about oversight in private colleges compared to public institutions. These changes aim to prevent situations where colleges accept more students than they can accommodate, leading to revoked admission offers due to housing and job shortages.

Additionally, IRCC announced an exciting update regarding the duration of work permits for graduates of master's and other short graduate-level programs. Soon, these graduates will be eligible for a 3-year work permit, providing them with extended opportunities to gain valuable Canadian work experience and enhance their chances of becoming permanent residents.

Understanding how the PGWP works is crucial for international students. It's an open work permit that allows you to work for any Canadian employer without needing a job offer. The permit's duration typically depends on the length of your study program in Canada, ranging from 8 months to 3 years.

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have completed a study program at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and met specific criteria regarding program length, full-time student status, and obtaining necessary documents from your institution.

Recent data from IRCC indicates a growing number of international student graduates successfully obtaining permanent residency in Canada. In November 2023 alone, 62,410 graduates transitioned to permanent residency, marking a notable increase compared to previous years.

If you're interested in learning more about Post-Graduation Work Permits and how they may impact your plans, visit the website of Kapunity Canada or book a consultation with their Immigration Consultant. Stay informed and make the most of your Canadian education journey!

Visit www.kapunitycanada.ca or Book a Consultation Today!